Cheap flights to the Land-of-Concrete(tm)

[Taro Toporific]

Fares Are Up in the Air with a Mixed Bag of Sales
Wednesday, March 09, 2005 / FROMMERS.com
...the Japan National Tourist Organization informing us another great fare to Nagoya's new Centrair International Airport. Starting from just $399 roundtrip for departures out of NYC, you can fly on American Airlines between April 3 to May 31 or on Northwest Airlines from March 26 to May 31. Taxes are not included, and vary slightly per carrier. Northwest is also throwing in free tix to the Aichi World Expo 2005. These deals are being offered by Kintetsu International Travel Consultants (tel. 800/422-3481; http://www.japanforyou.com).

[mr. sparkle]

If you're flexible, it's only about $513 RT between now and July from SFO to Narita. Delta and United on travelocity.

free tix to the Aichi World Expo 2005

Aiiight. Let's get Pongi on the pilot-less Mag-Lev.

[GomiGirl]

What about flights from other countries to Japan - ie what is the cheapest flight from Australia to Japan at the moment?

[Andocrates]

I just bought a Ticket to Nagoya for $715.00, last time it was $1000.00 into Narita. Since I was in Narita add another $250 for Shinkansen tickets and it cost about $1250.00

This time $715.00 (which will make up for some of the weak dollar)

[GomiGirl]

I just bought a Ticket to Nagoya for $715.00, last time it was $1000.00 into Narita. Since I was in Narita add another $250 for Shinkansen tickets and it cost about $1250.00

This time $715.00 (which will make up for some of the weak dollar)

Is that in AUD? From which city in Aus?

[Lifer]

How about the other way around. I need to get outta here for a while but am having trouble finding cheap tickets. Any good site recommendations for trips originating in Japan?

[mr. sparkle]

A good deal on TravelZoo right now. Singapore Airlines, no less.

http://airfare.travelzoo.com/international-airfare/269621

However, the concrete sure is cold in December.

[IkemenTommy]

I have not bought into this, but it sure sounds like a deal if you are planning on making those trips to Okinawa or Hokkaido:
Star Alliance Japan Airpass

Just 11,000 yen per flight to any destination to all over Japan.
ANA offers special discount domestic fares for overseas travelers on Star Alliance Partner Carriers or ANK. You can have a choice from 1 to 5 sectors. Code share flights are also included.
* Applicable routes : All the Domestic routes of ANA and Air Nippon
* Consumption tax does not apply if the connection if the connection time between the last domestic sector and the international flight from Japan is less than 24hours.

Period of Application
The first domestic departure date must be by March 31, 2007.
Travel not permitted for ; 14 Jul 06 - 31 Aug 06 / 15 Dec 06 - 08 Jan 07 / 09 Mar 07 - 31 Mar 07

Children / Infant Discount
* No discount applies for children.
* Free of charge for infant under the age of three and not occupying seat.

Eligibility
* Applicable for passenger using international flights in any class on ANA, ANK or Star Alliance Partner Carriers to or via Japan. FARE TYPE APPLIED ON THE INTERNATIONAL TICKET MUST BE ROUND/CIRCLE/OPEN JAW TRAVEL TO / VIA JAPAN.
* Residence outside Japan (proof required at time of purchase).
* Star Alliance Japan Airpass is limited to one per passenger per international travel.

Reservation, Ticketing and Check-in
* Reservations for the first domestic sector may be accepted from 60days before departure, and must be confirmed before arriving in Japan. The remaining sectors may be left open before arriving in Japan , but must be confirmed before departure of respective domestic sectors.
* Proof of residence, such as a driver's license and international ticket to/from or via Japan must be presented at the time of purchase. Additionally international ticket for identification upon check in for domestic flight is required.
* Ticketing must be completed before arrival in Japan.

Date Change, Routing Change, and Endorsement
* Rebooking is not permitted for the first domestic sector. However, change to an earlier flight is permitted at the airport on the day of departure on a stand-by basis.
* Rebooking for the remaining sectors is permitted at any time before departure and coupons are valid for 60 days from the departure date of the first sector.
* Change of routing is not permitted.
* Endorsement is not permitted. Except between ANA & ANK.

Refund
* A cancellation charge of 5,000 yen will be imposed on totally unused ticket.
* Partially used ticket will be refunded the difference between the fare paid and the applicable normal fare for the portions used.
* Refund shall be done at the original ticketing office and not be permitted in Japan.

Mileage accrual
100% of basic mileage of each domestic sector used may be accumulated.

Others
* Ticket must be issued on Star Alliance carriers' ticket stock (including BSP / ARC tickets)

It sure sounds like the JR pass, but better! The catch: You have to buy it outside of Japan and there is the date restriction.

[Tsuru]

Cheapest way to get from Europe to Japan in luxury still is Emirates. If you don't mind the layover in the UAE and the longer time it takes you to get there, you can't beat them.

[Mr Doricar]

How about England?

I flew over from Heathrow to Narita last month and it cost £550 through ANA. I dont think they get many gaijins on ANA as the seats were arranged for the J-frame not the 6 foot plus frame. Luckily a lovely lady from Oki upgraded me as I was "recovering from a dislocated knee and in great pain"

I'm back in Feb so if anyone knows a cheap flight please let me know. Thanks